A Comprehensive Approach to the Chemistry, Pollution Impact and Risk Assessment of Drinking Water Sources in a Former Industrialized Area of Romania

Abstract

Water wells used as drinking sources, located in a Romanian urban area, were characterized from four novel points of view: typology, chemical parameters, heavy metal pollution and human health risk assessment. Physico-chemical parameters and trace metals were analyzed and compared to regulatory reference values related to drinking water quality. Piper, TIS and Gibbs diagrams were used for determining the typology of waters. The pollution index was calculated with the aim of determining the pollution levels. Human health risk indices were used for determining the potential non-carcinogenic risks type of heavy metals and nitrogen compounds. The results indicated that water samples were characterized by contamination with nitrogen compounds and Cd, Mn and Pb. Pollution scores indicated both low and high pollution degrees. Based on the health risk assessment, waters were classified as safe for drinking related to the heavy metal content, for both adults and children. Nonetheless, non-carcinogenic risks in NO2− and NO3− can occur if waters are consumed.